PNP keeping an eye on C. Luzon poll hotspots

CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga – A major city and four municipalities in Central Luzon are considered hotspots and are under close monitoring ahead of the 2019 midterm elections, regional police director Chief Supt. Joel Napoleon M. Coronel said.

Coronel told the Manila Bulletin that San Jose del Monte City and Natividad town in Bulacan, and two other towns in Nueva Ecija are considered “areas of concern” by the police due to previous records of political violence.

“There are other areas which are under close watch by the police due to intense political rivalry,” Coronel said.

In Bataan, provincial police chief Sr. Supt. Marcelo Dayag said peace and order is a priority as the elections approach.

“We are almost not sleeping at night in monitoring the situation and conducting police visibility,” said Dayag.

In Camp Olivas, Coronel convened the first ever Regional Law Enforcement and Coordinating Committee to address various law enforcement and related issues affecting the region.

Topics highlighted during the meeting include regional peace and order situation, drug situation updates on “I was Paputok” and fireworks and firecrackers-related matters.

“I enjoin everyone to take an active effort and participate in our campaign against all forms of criminality and I call out for your dynamic support in order to attain our common endeavor of preserving peace and order within Region 3,” Coronel added.